In a dramatic twist to Manchester United's managerial saga, Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated boss Ruben Amorim has entered the frame as a potential successor to under-fire Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, who guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020/21 campaign, has caught the attention of United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team as they conduct a thorough review of the club's football operations.
Pressure Mounts on Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag's position has become increasingly precarious following United's worst Premier League season in decades. The Red Devils currently sit eighth in the table and face the very real prospect of missing out on European football entirely next season.
Recent performances, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, have intensified scrutiny on the Dutchman's tenure, despite his successful first season that delivered the Carabao Cup.
Amorim's Impressive Credentials
Amorim has built an impressive reputation across European football for his tactical acumen and man-management skills. Beyond his title-winning season with Sporting, he has maintained their status as serious title challengers while implementing an attractive, attacking style of football.
What makes Amorim particularly appealing to United's hierarchy:
- Proven track record of developing young talent
- Experience in European competitions
- Reputation for implementing structured, possession-based systems
- Successful rebuild of Sporting's squad on a limited budget
Competition for Signature
Manchester United aren't the only European giants monitoring Amorim's situation. The Portuguese manager has previously been linked with vacancies at Chelsea, Tottenham, and Barcelona, highlighting his standing within the game.
Sporting would demand significant compensation for their manager, who has a release clause believed to be in the region of €15 million (£12.8 million), making any potential appointment a substantial financial commitment for United's new decision-makers.
Decision Timeline
The INEOS-led review is expected to conclude shortly after United's final Premier League fixture against Brighton on May 19th, with the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25th potentially serving as Ten Hag's last stand.
Whether Amorim emerges as the primary candidate remains to be seen, but his inclusion on United's shortlist signals the club's intention to explore all options as they plot their course back to English football's summit.
